Residential Land Use Designations
Residential Development
Residential developments are regulated by an allowed density range (minimum and maximum) measured in "housing units per acre." Residential density is calculated by dividing the number of housings units on the site (excluding second units on single-family lots) by the net acreage of the site. Net acreage excludes land required for public and private streets, parks, and other public facilities. The diagram below shows prototypical examples of different residential densities for one-acre properties.
State planning law requires general plans to include standards for measuring population density. Population density is determined by multiplying the maximum number of units allowed within a land use designation by the average number of persons per household (as determined by US Census population data).
The High Density Residential designation generally applies to urban areas located near major activity centers or along arterial streets. Typical building types include townhomes, multi-story apartment and condominium buildings, and ancillary structures. Future changes to High Density areas are expected to be limited to additional residential development, building and landscaping improvements, the rehabilitation or redevelopment of older multi-family properties, and neighborhood enhancements that create more complete, walkable, and sustainable neighborhoods.
Allowed Uses
- Attached single-family homes
- Multi-family homes
Supporting Uses
- Home occupations
- Parks, recreation facilities, open space, and trails
- Community gardens
- Compatible public and quasi-public uses
- Compatible neighborhood commercial and neighborhood mixed-use
Development Standards
- Density: 17.4 to 34.8 dwelling unit per net acre
- Maximum FAR: 0.8 (only applies to public and quasi-public uses, neighborhood commercial uses, and neighborhood mixed-use)
